This occupation is found in the engineering function in the food and drink manufacturing sector. The sector uses highly automated equipment and technology to produce a wide range of food and drink products for consumers. 

Food and drink manufacturers range in size from small to large. Technicians may work directly for a food and drink company or a contractor.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to maintain food and drink machinery and equipment to optimise production levels. They conduct planned and predicative maintenance to prevent issues occurring and also reactive maintenance for example, to respond to breakdowns. They lead or support food and drink operational teams with machinery change overs and set ups. Contributing to the installation and decommissioning of food and drink equipment and machinery is also part of the role. Working with other teams, they contribute to technical performance reviews and continuous improvement activities. They may need to contribute to food and drink audits.   

They may complete work as part of a team or alone, depending on the task. 

In their daily work, food and drink maintenance technicians interact with other technicians and engineers. They also interact with operational and site teams. This may include quality, and research and development. They may also have contact with auditors, regulators, and customers undertaking site visits.

They typically report to an engineering lead. They work with minimal supervision. 

An employee in this occupation is responsible for using engineering practices that ensure food safety in line with food safety legislation. Keeping machinery and equipment available to meet production needs and outputs is key. They must comply with food safety, health and safety, environmental, sustainability, and engineering regulations and standards. They also must also take account of business operation considerations such as cost and service level agreements.

They are likely to be required to work a range of shifts, including unsociable hours.